What is Yoga?

in #yoga7 years ago (edited)

What is Yoga?

The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root 'Yuj', which means a union of individual consciousness or soul, universal consciousness or union with soul.

 Yoga is the five-thousand-year-old style of Indian knowledge. Although many people consider yoga only as the physical exercise, where people fall, jerks, pulls and adopts complex ways of breathing. It is, in fact, the most superficial aspect of this deep science, which reveals the infinite potential of the human mind and soul. The complete essence of lifestyle in yoga science has been assimilated.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, "Yoga is not just exercise and posture, it is a spiritual height touching emotional integration and mystic element, which gives you a glimpse of beyond all fantasies."

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History of Yoga | 

Yoga is in circulation for more than ten thousand years. The most famous of the contemplative tradition is the mention, in the nasadiya sukta, the oldest surviving literature is found in Rigveda. 

This again gives us the philosophy of the Indus-Saraswati civilization. From the same civilization, the Pashupati seal (coin) on which is a figure swaying in a yoga posture, which reflects the generality of yoga in that ancient period. 

However, the oldest Upanishad, also in the Brihadaranyak, has been mentioned as a part of yoga, various physical exercises are mentioned. 

The recitation of the Chadogya Upanishad gives a mention of the practice of pranayama in a eulogy (Ved Mantra) of the Brihadaranyak.

 As it is, the mention of the present form of "yoga", for the first time, probably mentions in Kadopnishad, it is included for the first time in the last eight sections of the Yajurveda, which is a main and important Upanishad. 

Yoga is seen as a process of journeying here (inner) or developing consciousness.

In the famous dialogue, "Yoga Yagnavalkya", which is described in the Upanishad (Greater Aranyakanya Upanishad), in which Baba Yagnavalkya and the disciple Brahmavidya Gargi, mention many breathing exercises, posture, and meditation for body cleansing. Gargi also talks about Yoga in Chhodogya Upanishad.

A group of monks, mentioned in Atharva Veda, have been emphasized by talks (gathering), physical asanas which can be developed in the form of yoga. 

Even in the codes mentioned that in ancient times, harsh physical conduct, meditation, and penance was practiced by the monks, the Mahatmas, the talks (Sabha) and various monks and saints.

Yoga has gradually emerged as a concept and along with the Bhagavad Gita, there is a detailed mention of yoga in the Mahabharata also in ShantiParv.

There are more than twenty Upanishads and Yoga vasisth available, in addition to the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita, it has been said that union of the mind with supreme consciousness has already been said about yoga.

Yoga has been discussed in the form of an ancient fundamental form of Hindu philosophy and perhaps it has been mentioned in the most elaborate Patanjali Yoga Sutra. In his second form, Patanjali defines yoga as something in this form:

 " योग: चित्त-वृत्ति निरोध: "  - Yoga Sutra 1.2

Patanjali's writing also became the basis for Ashtanga Yoga. The five pledges of Jainism and the roots of Yoga of Buddhism are rooted in Patanjali Yoga Sutras.

Hatha Yoga was developed in the medieval era.


Books of Yoga: Patanjali Yoga Sutras | Scriptures of Yoga: Patanjali Yoga Sutras


Patanjali is considered as the father of yoga and his yoga threads are completely devoted to the knowledge of yoga.

Ancient Sutras Patanjali Yoga Sutra, but Gurudev's exclusive discourse, lets you (benefit) the knowledge of yoga, and tell about the origin and purpose of yoga. 

The goal of this Yoga Sutra is to make the principles of Yoga and to make the practice of Yoga Sutras more understandable and easier. 

Attempts have been made to focus on whether a 'yoga lifestyle' can be used to experience the ultimate benefits of yoga.

Gurudev also discussed a lot on the Yogasutra Upanishad. 

In his commentary on the Gita, he has highlighted various organs of yoga, like Sankayog, Karmayog, Bhaktiyog, Rajguyiyyog and VebutiYoga.


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Types of yoga 

Various types of practices and methods have been incorporated in "Yoga".

  • Gyan Yoga or Philosophy
  • 'Bhakti Yoga' or devotion - the path of joy
  • Karma Yoga or Sukhmani Karam Path

Raja Yoga, which is further divided into eight parts, is also called as Ashtanga Yoga. The essential principle of Raja Yoga system is to practice yoga posture to balance and integrate these different methods.


Sri Sri Yoga Sri Sri Yoga

Sri Sri Yoga is an overall way of life which integrates all the elements of the ancient knowledge of yoga so that together with prayer, be able to unite, body, mind, and soul together.

 Along with the simple series, however, ineffective yoga and breathing techniques, more emphasis is placed on the internal experience of meditation, because it is necessary for the health of the mind and other hidden elements related to human existence. 

We believe that when there is harmony within someone; So the journey through life becomes calm, pleasant and more complete.


In Sri Sri Yoga program, the technique of intelligence and yoga is taught pure, pleasurable and fully taught.

 The programs are restored to strengthen our body, to calm our mind, to regain our focus and improve self-confidence. It is a complete package for beginners as well as regular practitioners and it has something for all age groups.

Regular practice of Sri Sri Yoga has made remarkable changes in the lifestyle of practitioners. 

They have experienced relief from chronic diseases and have noticed changes in their behavior. 

Participants have told about their experience of staying healthy, worrying less, enhancing tolerance and increased awareness.

Sri Sri Yoga is a great sense of good health and a sense of happiness.


Yoga for everyone. Yog for all

Among the beauties of yoga, there is also an impression that physical exercise of yoga is beneficial for the elderly or young, healthy (fit) or weak, and it leads everyone towards progress. 

Along with age, your understanding of posture becomes more sophisticated. After working on the external direct and yoga technique (texture) we begin to do more work on inner subtle and ultimately we are just going in asana.

Yoga has never been unknown to us. We are doing this since we were a child. 

Whether it is the "cat stretch" posture which strengthens the spine or the wind-free posture which enhances digestion, we will always be able to make infants some form of yoga all day long.

 Many people can have lots of significance for yoga. 

There is a determination to help in deciding the "direction of your life through yoga"!


Breathing techniques, pranayama, and meditation (Dhyana)

It is pranayama to control and extend breath. 

The practice of proper breathing techniques helps to control the life and vital life energy, to give more oxygen to the blood and brain. 

Pranayam also goes along with various yoga postures. 

The combination of yoga asana and pranayama is considered to be the highest form of purification and self-discipline for body and mind.

Pranayama technique also prepares us to get a deeper experience of meditation.